Barrie, ON – The seasons are changing, but Downtown Barrie is just warming up. As leaves shift to gold and the air takes on that cozy edge, our downtown comes alive again—this time with art, culture, and local celebration. Many of our neighbourhood partners and local businesses are hosting special programming that invites you out to discover, connect, and enjoy.

This autumn, expect to see a lively lineup of local events and seasonal celebrations:

• Downtown Barrie Businesses are putting on celebrations for Thanksgiving, Halloween, Day of the Dead and more.  
  • – La Ilsa Manila – Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet – Sat, Oct 11th from 11am to 3pm
  •  – On the Mark Vintage – Grand Opening – Thurs, Oct 16th from 6pm to 10pm
  •  – Hey Bootsy – Halloween Story Time & Costume Party – Fri, Oct 31st at 11am
  •  – Ofrenda Festival – Presented by The Mexican House – Sun, Nov 2nd from 2pm – 10pm
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    • Check out the following new businesses just opened in Downtown Barrie!
    •  – Rudy Burger Restaurant  – 114 Dunlop St East
    •  – Sunset Hair and Wig Studio – 112 Dunlop St East, Unit 104
    •  – North Valley Medical Aesthetics – 112 Dunlop St East, Unit 104
    •  – African Nigerian Restaurant – 53 Dunlop St E
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  • Check out downtownbarrie.ca for a directory of your favourite local businesses and see what they have planned.

…and there are more family focused activities to experience.

• Barrie Public Library is celebrating Culture Days with free community programming, including Open Stage Night on October 9 at 6:00 PM. (barrielibrary.ca)

   

• MacLaren Art Centre continues to showcase inspiring exhibitions through the fall, including Future Hindsight and A Shift in Consciousness, highlighting Canadian artists and thought-provoking multimedia works. (maclarenart.com)

   

• Barrie Farmer’s Market will also host its final outdoor market before it moves inside for the fall and winter seasons. Come down and support our local farmers, and be sure to check out the Chilli Cook-Off Contest. (barriefarmersmarket.ca )

Even as indoor programming picks up, the downtown streets and waterfront still make a beautiful setting for late-season enjoyment. Many restaurant patios remain open, offering a cozy spot to sip and savour while the air stays mild. Meanwhile, the waterfront and tree-lined paths are aglow with fall colour—ideal for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or brisk workout.

We encourage everyone to reach out to your favourite downtown shops, cafés, and venues to see what special events, seasonal menus, or surprise experiences they have planned this fall. Downtown is full of unexpected delights this season.

“Downtown Barrie is at its most inviting during the fall—full of warmth, discovery, and local character,” says Ali Oakes owner of Oh BeeHive and BIA Board Director. “Together with our cultural partners and business community, we look forward to celebrating the season in style.”

Stay connected and keep your calendar ready—great things are ahead at downtownbarrie.ca and across our social channels.

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